Principal Advisor | Wellington City

Job Description

 Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We are looking for a seasoned Principal Advisor to join the Chief District Court Judge's Chambers. This is a full-time permanent role.

As a key member of the team, you will provide strategic advice and support to the Director of the Chief District Court Judge's Chambers and the District Court Heads of Bench. You will be able to build and maintain excellent working relationships and be able to identify linkages, risks and issues and provide strategic solutions, options and process improvements.  

Ideally you will have experience providing advice to senior leaders and leading out on projects and initiatives. Experience working on change initiatives is desirable, but not essential. 

In this role, you will be:

• leading the development of strategic documents and advice
• providing timely and high-quality advice to the Director and judiciary as required
• proactively identifying opportunities, risks and issues to the Director
• building relationships and proactively developing networks across the Office and the Ministry of Justice
• leading projects and assigned elements of the work programme.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

To be successful in the role you will ideally have experience and/or skills in:

• providing strategic advice at a principal level in a public sector organisation or other experience in a relevant field
• knowledge and understanding of the District Court
• experience working on change initiatives
• experience leading complex projects or initiatives to successful completion
• providing mentoring and coaching opportunities to develop junior staff and peers
• experience working with senior managers and/or the judiciary.

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Chief District Court Judge's Chambers / Te Whare o Ngā Kaihautū Waka o Te Kōti-ā-Rohe o Aotearoa is a small team that provides administrative, advisory, operational and strategic support to the District Court Judicial Leadership team comprising the Chief District Court Judge, Principal Family Court Judge, Principal Youth Court Judge and the National Executive Judge.

This support enables the District Court Judicial Leaders to undertake their statutory and non-statutory functions and their overall leadership and administration of the District Court to ensure the delivery of timely, impartial and open justice.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions. 

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $129,129 and $179,192 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 9, July 2025; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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